Charles Ilyes Family celebrates 75 years at York’s historic Penn Market

Charles Ilyes Family, Inc. celebrates 75 years of continuous business at Penn Market, York County‘s oldest farmers market, with special activities Feb. 13, 14 and 17. The anniversary celebration will take place at the Charles Ilyes Family, Inc. specialty meats and produce stand at Penn Market, 380 W. Market St., York. Customers are invited to join in the fun with free samples and special drawings as a thank-you to the community that has supported the family for seven and a half decades, according to a media release.

The event marks a milestone rooted in family tradition, hard work, and generations of loyal customers, some who have been shopping with the Ilyes family since opening day in 1951, according to the media release.

“Reaching 75 years in business is a remarkable achievement, and the Ilyes family represents the very best of what makes York’s downtown thrive,” said Sarah O’Brien, Director of Downtown Inc, in the media release, “Their long-standing commitment to Penn Market, to local sourcing, and to building real relationships with customers speaks to the strength of our city’s small businesses. Vendors like Charles Ilyes Family, Inc. are the heart of our historic markets and play a vital role in keeping Downtown York vibrant, welcoming, and economically strong.”

The Ilyes family’s story at Penn Market began Feb. 11, 1951, when Charles and his bride officially became Mr. and Mrs. Ilyes during a Sunday wedding ceremony. There was no honeymoon to follow because just five days later, on Friday, the newlyweds opened their first stand at Penn Market. That stand would grow into a cornerstone of the market and a beloved fixture in the York community, according to the media release.

The Ilyes family’s roots at Penn Market ran deep even before that first day. Charles learned the business working at his father’s stand, and the market became a true family affair. All four Ilyes siblings eventually opened their own vendor spaces at Penn Market, each offering their own selection of meats and vegetables after learning the trade from their father. Today, that same hardworking spirit lives on through the next generation. John Ilyes, Charles’s son, now operates the family’s Penn Market stand. “Penn Market is a great melting place. Everyone gets along well,” said John in the media release.

The team behind the counter takes pride not only in quality products, but in personal relationships, according to the media release. “Our customers know we go above and beyond—whether it’s picking out special cuts of meat or finding exactly what they need,” John said, “We spoil our customers, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Penn Market opened in 1866. It operates year-round Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Rochelle A. Shenk is a freelance writer